Richard Franklin Goodwin

Our lives were changed forever on August 7, when in the early morning hours Rick passed away in a single vehicle accident in Damascus, OR. We may never understand why this had to happen, but we find solace knowing he is at peace and in a restful place.

Rick was born September 13, 1985 in Portland, OR. as Richard Brandon Breedlove. Most that knew him know he became Richard Goodwin the day him and his brother Randy were adopted on December 4, 1997 by Mark and Paula Goodwin. He was an eager participant in the many activities his new family immersed him in…piano, soccer, Little League and swimming, but swimming seemed to be his greatest athletic talent. He joined the Mt Hood Swim Club at 12 and went as far as to achieve State qualifying and Regional qualifying times until a shoulder injury ended his competitive swimming at 15. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and football and went on to play them in high school.

When Rick was adopted, he had been in his new mother Paula’s 4th grade classroom at West Gresham Grade School. He went on from there to Dexter McCarty Middle School and graduated from Portland Lutheran High School in 2004. Though it was a small environment, Rick had a great time there with the good friends he made. After high school Rick chose to go to work and joined the Union Pacific Railroad as a conductor where he worked until 2010. After a couple other jobs Rick got into the apprenticeship program for Union Heat and Frost Insulators and he was a member of Seattle Local 7 at the time of his passing.

Rick’s interests were varied and vast. He loved sports (especially Oregon football and the Seattle Seahawks), movies, reading, camping and trips to the beach. Music was also a big love of his, and he played bass in the band ‘Jackie Swift’ for its brief stretch. He was a big lover of animals and had a great deal of compassion for the smallest of creatures. Rick loved to cook and he was great in the kitchen and at the BBQ. It was always a treat when he whipped up a batch of meatballs.

Everyone that knew Rick knows he was a kind hearted, fun loving man with a great sense of humor. It gave him joy to be able to help others. He had an unbelievable ability for retention, and always could recall a funny line from a movie to add to any situation.

Rick leaves behind his beloved 4 year old son William Goodwin (and mother Valerie Hager), parents Mark and Paula Goodwin of Gresham, brother Randy Goodwin(wife Marie) of Battle Ground, WA, girlfriend Talia Reinke (and her son Roman) of Clackamas, many special aunts, uncles and cousins.

He will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Gresham, OR.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the William F. Goodwin Support & Education account at any Key Bank branch.